Pilot 2+1 Acrodrive 05 Review: A Polished Multi-Pen With One Small Compromise

Introduction

Multi-pens usually ask you to compromise. You gain convenience and lose some of the finesse that makes a good single-function pen enjoyable. The Pilot 2+1 Acrodrive 05, released in November 2015, is one of the models that manages the balance better than most, pairing two ballpoint colors with a 0.5mm pencil in a body that genuinely looks and feels premium.

Who This Product Is For

This pen suits anyone who wants one pocketable writing tool instead of three. If you alternate between notes in black, corrections or emphasis in red, and quick sketches or margins in pencil, the Acrodrive 05 handles all three without fuss. It also appeals to buyers who care about appearance: the red-and-black finish, gold center ring, and gold clip make it something you would not mind clipping into a suit jacket pocket.

The 0.5mm version is available in Black, Blue, and Pink, while the 0.7mm variant comes in a wider six-color lineup: Gray, Silver, Pink, Black, Deep Red, and Blue. If you prefer a slightly softer pencil lead, the 0.7mm model gives you more color choices as well.

Main Strengths

The headline feature is the writing feel. The included refill is Acro Ink BRFS10-EF, and it behaves differently from ordinary oil-based ballpoint ink. Its viscosity is about one-fifth lower than standard oil-based ink, bringing it close to a water-based feel, so it flows smoothly without skipping. The lower viscosity also lets the ink penetrate deeper into the paper fibers, producing dark, even characters with no patchiness.

The barrel design backs this up. A gold ring sits at the center with “Drive” lettering above it, and the gold clip is both attractive and functional, sliding easily into a jacket pocket. The weight and balance are clearly tuned: the center of gravity sits low, and the overall proportions feel comfortable in hand.

Specs are sensible for daily carry: total length of 141mm, weight of 24.8g, and a maximum shaft diameter of 11mm. The slide lever lets you switch between the black and red ballpoints, and the grey section deploys the pencil. For the pencil, the entire head section slides down in a knock-style mechanism, and an eraser is included under the cap.

Writing Performance: Acro Ink in Action

On paper, the black ballpoint is genuinely smooth and easy to write with, exactly what you would expect from Acro Ink. The red performs just as well, with the same flowing, consistent line.

The pencil holds its own too. Wobble is inevitable in any multi-pen, but the rattle here feels kept to a minimum, and the overall refinement of the mechanism is among the better examples in the category.

One practical note: if you prefer Jetstream refills, the Acrodrive 05 accepts them, so you can swap the stock Acro Ink without losing the pen itself.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There are two quirks worth knowing about before you commit. First is the knock mechanism for the pencil. Because the entire head sinks in when you use it, the action feels less pleasant than a conventional pencil, and the knock is on the firm side.

Second is a design choice on that same sliding knock head. While the barrel is finished in a smooth matte texture, the knock section alone is narrower, glossy, and carries a vivid color accent. It does make the function intuitive to find at a glance, but it breaks the otherwise unified matte look. If the whole pen, sliding section included, were finished in a consistent matte texture, this would be close to a perfect multi-pen.

Buying Advice

If appearance and writing feel rank highest on your list, the Acrodrive 05 is easy to recommend. The low center of gravity, good balance, and excellent Acro Ink refill make daily writing a pleasure, and the price sits at around 2,500 yen plus tax, which is reasonable for the perceived quality. If you are sensitive to knock feedback or prefer a fully uniform matte finish, the glossy sliding head is the one point to weigh against an otherwise strong package. Either way, the refill is replaceable, so you can tailor the ink to your taste over time.

Conclusion

The Pilot 2+1 Acrodrive 05 earns its place among well-loved multi-pens: beautiful materials, balanced weight, and a superb stock refill. Its flaws are small and specific, mostly centered on the pencil knock design. For anyone who wants a two-color-plus-pencil companion that looks sharp and writes even better, it remains a very worthwhile pick.